Tax reform: House spinning new tax-cut bill

Fresh from the failure to override the veto of HB 253, the Missouri House is already hard at work spinning a new web for next year to entrap an unwary public.

By taking cuts to education out of the equation, they think this tax cut for the wealthy will not be quite so scary.

Unfortunately, the resulting $800 million deficit will have to be covered some way. Who is going to be the victim of the "gotcha?"

If state income tax is abolished, the resulting sales tax increases will drain the lifeblood out of our seniors.

Many do not pay state income tax because their income is too low; therefore, a massive increase in sales tax could mean the difference between them remaining independent or having to go to long-term care facilities.

If you are a state legislator, it might be well to remember that as many as 77 percent of seniors vote.

With almost 23 percent of Springfield residents below the poverty level according to the last census, this is not the time to add an additional burden from outrageous sales taxes and fees.

Meals programs for seniors and children will be cut drastically along with other vital public services, especially if the cuts to education are removed.

That $800 million deficit will have to be covered somehow, and it should not be from those who can afford it the least.